How to Become a Paramedic

The paramedics provide vital attention and medical care necessary before the injured or sick person is transported to a medical facility. If you want to become a paramedic, you will find this a very rewarding job. Here are the steps that you need to take if you want to have this career in the future:

Become a certified emergency medical technician (EMT)

There are different paramedic training requirements depending on the state. Most paramedic training schools would require the student to become a certified basic EMT first. The training is available in community colleges, universities, private vocation schools and other institutions.

Get into a paramedic program

After becoming a certified EMT, you can now look for a good school in your area wherein you can enroll for paramedic programs that range between eight months to a couple of years. The training will include classes in anatomy, pharmacology and physiology as well.

Learn the various emergency procedures

Emergency situations would require knowledge and skills of various procedures that are also performed in the hospital such as intubations, EKG’s, CPR and others. These are much easier to learn during the internship program that you need to complete.

It is a part of the paramedic program that you complete a certain number of hours in the emergency room, an ambulance or the fire department. With this, you will have the competency to identify and to provide care those with medical conditions like respiratory problems, heart attacks, injuries and other cases. Be aware that paramedics give the most extensive pre-hospital care.

Obtain more certificates

To become better and more competent for the job, you need to get more certifications. Among the important certification tests that you need to pass include the pediatric advanced life support as well as the advanced cardiac life support.

Pass the state exam

Licensing is also required by the state. You need to pass this exam after you have finished the paramedic program. The national exam for aspiring paramedics may be offered by The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Get a job

There are different job opportunities for you if you become a licensed paramedic. Search for available positions in fire departments, emergency rooms, private ambulance companies and others.

To become a paramedic, you should be quite alert since the job involves quick reaction as well as competent care. Among the incidents that a paramedic attends to include drowning, gunshot wounds, road accidents, heart attacks and many others. Be sure that you are ready for any of these. You will be working in uncontrolled environments, but if you find this challenging and interesting, then this job is for you.